Post-flood recovery – Update 20

Nearly two weeks on from the severe weather event of April 29, work is continuing to ensure the district copes as well as possible with expected heavy rain forecast this weekend.

While the welfare of affected residents is Civil Defence’s ongoing priority, a contingency plan, in preparation for rain, has been developed.

MetService has predicted rain for Rotorua today (Friday), which is expected to continue through until early next week.

Forecasters say there is potential for a complex weather system to impact on Saturday evening through to Sunday.

Rotorua Lakes Council, Civil Defence and Bay of Plenty Regional Council have been working together to see what remedial work needs to be tackled in preparation for the weekend.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has started remedial works on the Ngongotahā, Puarenga, Utuhina, Awahou, Waiteti Streams.

The regional council’s flood gauges are in place on the Ngongotaha Stream and will provide an early indication of potential flooding.

The aim is to complete remedial work on the Ngongotahā Stream by the end of today.

Contractors are continuing remedial works on damaged roads including Tarawera Road.

The short-term objective for Tarawera Road, where there is an underslip near Buried Village, is to carry out work to reduce further erosion.

Due to heavy leaf fall, contractors have also cleared grates in flood-prone urban areas however residents are being encouraged to clear the grates outside their property and monitor them over the weekend.

As Civil Defence transitions into the Recovery phase, flood affected residents are still being identified and urged to get in touch with Council if they have not already, on 0800 020 001 or 348 4199.

Civil Defence Recovery Manager, Andy Bell, says the primary priority remains the ongoing welfare of Rotorua residents.

A total of 864 welfare visits have been done and a total of 296 building inspections completed.
Of the 296 building inspections that have been carried out, 92 of those properties, most of them residential, have been deemed uninhabitable.

Welfare support
• If you have been affected by the storm on the 29th of April, please contact Council on 0800 020 001 or 348 4199
• If you haven’t already, please let your insurer know about your situation
• If you need emergency accommodation contact Council on 0800 020 001 or 348 4199; and
• If financial help is needed phone Ministry of Social Development on 0800 559 009 or visit workandincome.govt.nz
• The Temporary Accommodation Service has been activated by the Government to support people displaced by the flooding. More information on the service can be found at www.temporaryaccommodation.mbie.govt.nz
The Civil Defence Hub in Ngongotahā will be open daily for people to drop in for updates or if they need assistance or advice.

• Where: 7 Oakland Place, Ngongotahā (blue shipping container)
• When: 1pm – 4pm Monday to Friday
10am – 2pm Saturday & Sunday
Donations
Please remember, if you wish to make a donation to help people who have been affected, you can give a koha (donation) via:
Details:

• Account name: Mayoral Manaakitanga Relief Fund
• Account number: 02-0412-0234516-006
• How: Direct Credit or in person at Rotorua Lakes Council building.
• Details: No specific statement details are needed.

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